Colestipol

Colestipol treats high cholesterol. Take all other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take colestipol, because it can interfere with how your body absorbs your medications.

Colestipol Overview

Updated: 

Colestipol is a prescription medication used in combination with dietary changes to treat high cholesterol. Colestipol belongs to a group of drugs called bile acid sequestrants. These work by binding bile acids, substances that are bound to LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol"), and then removing them from the body. 

This medication comes tablets to be taken by mouth. It is usually taken 1 or 2 times per day, with meals.

Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of liquid.

This medication also is available as granules for suspension. The granules are mixed with a liquid before taking.

Common side effects of colestipol include constipation, gas, and nausea.

How was your experience with Colestipol?

First, a little about yourself

Tell us about yourself in a few words?

What tips would you provide a friend before taking Colestipol?

What are you taking Colestipol for?

Choose one
  • Other
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Diarrhea
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous
  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • Hyperlipoproteinemias
  • Hypertriglyceridemia

How long have you been taking it?

Choose one
  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did Colestipol work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend Colestipol to a friend?

Pill Images

{{ slide.name }}
pill-image {{ slide.name }}
Color: {{ slide.color }} Shape: {{ slide.shape }} Size: {{ slide.size }} Score: {{ slide.score }} Imprint: {{ slide.imprint }}
<<
Prev
{{ slide.number }} of {{ slide.total }}
>>
Next

Uses of Colestipol

Back to Top

Colestipol is a prescription medication used in combination with dietary changes to treat high cholesterol.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Colestipol Brand Names

Back to Top

Colestipol may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Colestipol Drug Class

Back to Top

Colestipol is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Colestipol

Back to Top

Serious side effects have been reported with colestipol. See the "Colestipol Precautions" section.

Common side effects of colestipol include the following:

  • constipation
  • abdominal pain and cramping
  • gas (bloating)
  • heartburn
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea (loose stools)

This is not a complete list of colestipol side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.